In recent weeks, customs has conducted eight cocaine seizures. This involves a total of 466 kilograms and an unknown amount of cocaine dissolved in molasses. The weighed drugs have a wholesale value of about 11.5 million euros.
The first find was made on January 2 during a customs check of a container with bananas from Costa Rica, destined for a company in the Netherlands. Inside the refrigerated container, 50 packages were discovered, prompting an investigation. After the regular cargo was unloaded, the container was placed in a storage area for empty containers in Rotterdam. On Saturday, January 4, a man was seen approaching the container and attempting to open it. This 20-year-old man from Amsterdam was arrested by the Customs Special Assistance Team. He was presented to the examining magistrate on January 8, who ordered him to remain in custody.
On January 2, during another customs check, a shipment of liquid cocaine was discovered in a load of molasses. It consisted of 550 kilograms of liquid containing an unknown amount of cocaine. Initially, these goods appeared to be bound for Spain but later investigations revealed they were intended for a company in Rotterdam. The molasses originated from the Dominican Republic.
Also, on January 2, cocaine was found in a container from Suriname. This was a groupage shipment, and 84 kilograms of cocaine were found among household goods and food. On the night of January 1 to January 2, two couriers were arrested, aged 24 and 25 from Boxtel. Following investigations, a refrigerated container was found with five additional packages of cocaine hidden in the cooling unit. It is suspected these packages were part of a larger load. The two suspects have been presented to the authorities and are currently in custody.
Wholesale Value
From 2025 onwards, the Public Prosecution Service will no longer calculate the street value of cocaine in HARC reports, but the average wholesale price per kilogram. This is the price at which blocks are purchased in source countries. The HARC team, a collaboration between Customs, FIOD, Port Police, and the Public Prosecution Service in Rotterdam, is investigating the cases further.
The drugs have since been destroyed.